Adoption & Special Guardianship Lawyers

If you want to give a child a loving home, and you need legal authority then we can help.  We are family law specialists and we can guide you through the legal processes associated with Adoption or Special Guardianship.

Adoption

Adoption is the legal process by which individuals become a child’s parents, assuming full legal and parental responsibility for the child, despite not being their natural parents.  We can guide you through the adoption process and make the necessary applications to court on your behalf.

 Find out more about adoption here

Special Guardianship

If a child is being looked after by someone other than parents, for example grandparents, it might be appropriate to appoint a Special Guardian.  These people have the power to override the decisions made by others with parental responsibility. 

Find out more about Special Guardianship Orders here

FREE Initial Consultation

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When it comes to legal processes, we know how daunting things can be, that's why we offer a FREE Initial consultation, so you can talk to an expert Family Lawyer and take the right steps from the start.

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What is a Special Guardianship Order?

A special guardianship order appoints a person or persons as a child's special guardian.

It gives a special kind of parental responsibility and allows this person to override any other person with parental responsibility from decisions about the child’s welfare, for example decisions about schooling. 

How long does Special Guardianship Order last?

A special guardianship order lasts until a child reaches the age of 18 unless discharged by the court.

Are there any restrictions on the Special Guardian?

A special guardian cannot do the following unless they have the permission of every person with parental responsibility or an order of the court:

  • Change the child's surname.
  • Remove the child from the jurisdiction for a period of three months or more.

What about those with Parental Responsibilities?

Despite the overriding power that Special Guardians have, parents and others with parental responsibility should be consulted on issues such as internal UK relocation and major medical procedures.

What happens if people with Parental Responsibilities don't agree?

Parents or those with parental responsibility can bring an application for a specific issue order to the court to challenge a special guardian’s decision.

What our clients say about us

I found Claire to be very helpful. A lovely lady. A credit to your company!
Claire Trueman - Miriam November 2023

Angela has been a pleasure to deal with, through what could have been an extremely difficult time.
She has been professional and very helpful with any questions. Explaining things simply to avoid any
confusion or stress on my part. Many thanks!
Angela Lally – David June 2023

I cannot thank you enough for your care and support
Angela Lally - Vivienne – December 2022

Angela is a very good lawyer with a big heart. She always helps and tries to find a solution in very
situation. I am extremely grateful to her for her help. She was with me in a very difficult moments of
my life. She extended a helping hand to me; I will never forget it and I will always be grateful to her
for it. I recommend her 1000%.
Angela Lally – Angieszka – November 2023

This story started back in 2016 when I first spoke to Jill Rucklidge about my divorce. It finally finished
April this year after 3 court appearances. Jill and her team stuck by me through thick,thin and tears .
Jill was always there to listen to me and gave me amazing advice. I can’t thank the team enough . I
would recommend Jill and the team to anyone looking for their specialist advice.
Jill Rucklidge – Dave November 2023

“From my first telephone call, Alison provided an excellent service, going beyond what I expected. It was a very difficult, stressful time and her understanding and reassurance eased my concerns. Alison is a great listener and provides very clear explanations of options, implications and likely outcomes, which was so important for someone like me, without any experience on legal matters. Above all, Alison was always there for when I needed legal advice, responding promptly to my many queries and giving me the encouragement that I needed towards achieving a satisfactory settlement. With her invaluable help and empathy that objective was achieved.”
Anonymous March 2025

Very satisfied with the service and outcome.
Claire Trueman - Russell and Kristel October 2022

Where do I start regarding Alison, Her professionalism,
Acting on my behalf on a very personal and delicate
Issue was second to none,
Her attention to detail and understanding made me feel
Like I was never alone and knowing I had somebody
In my corner like Alison put me at extreme ease throughout
A very dark time,
Her personal caring attention to detail was not only evident in my court case
But also after when she ensured I was personally ok,
Which made me so much stronger!!! Thank you Alison.

Excellent service!
Claire Trueman – Paul and Ann November 2023

I would definitely recommend Rucklidge Law. Their service has been to a high standard. Thank you
Angela.
Angela Lally – Eklas October 2022